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Historic Preservation Commission adds seven businesses to Legacy Business Registry
Summary
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted 7-0 Jan. 7 to add seven long‑standing local businesses — including Digital Revolution, Rocapulco, Tsingtao restaurant and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus — to the city’s Legacy Business Registry after staff presentations and public comment.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted 7-0 on Jan. 7 to add seven businesses to the city’s Legacy Business Registry, following staff presentations and public comment.
Planning staff presented the nominations and recommended that the commission add Digital Revolution; Rocapulco (Supper Club) at 3140 Mission Street; Tsingtao restaurant at 3107 Clement Street; Family Billiards at 2807 Geary Boulevard; the Book Club of California at 47 Kearny Street; Bulo Shoes in Hayes Valley; and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus at 170 Valencia Street. Heather Samuels, planning staff, delivered the overview of the cohort and said each business “contributes meaningfully to the cultural and social history of San Francisco.”
The applications highlighted different community roles: Digital Revolution’s archival digitization services used by local institutions; Rocapulco’s role as a large Latino arts and entertainment venue; Tsingtao’s more than 50 years of continuous neighborhood service; Family Billiards as one of the city’s last pool halls; the Book Club of California’s century‑plus history of bibliophilic programming; Bulo Shoes’ longtime local retail presence; and the Gay Men’s Chorus’s artistic and civic contributions.
Owners and community supporters spoke in favor. Kevin Kosick, Executive Director of the Book Club of California, said the organization “has contributed positively to San Francisco and the arts community worldwide for over a century.” Benson Su, identifying himself as owner of the Clement Street restaurant, thanked the commission for considering his family’s business.
Commissioners praised the nominations during deliberation. Commissioner Vergara said the list reflects the “kaleidoscope of businesses that care so much about the city,” and Commissioner Baldauff noted the registry’s role in protecting businesses “laboring through the challenges of COVID” and rising costs. Commissioner Foley moved to approve staff recommendations; Commissioner Chang Strang seconded. The motion passed by roll call, 7-0.
With the vote, staff will proceed with the administrative steps to add each business to the Legacy Business Registry and the associated program supports that come with registry inclusion.
